Gloster B. Current facts for kids

Gloster B. Current (born in 1913 – died on July 3, 1997) was an important leader during the Civil Rights Movement. He worked for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which is a group that fights for equal rights for African Americans. Gloster Current was the deputy executive director and the National Director of Branches for the NAACP. This was a time when the NAACP grew a lot and did many important things to help people.

Besides his work for civil rights, Gloster Current was also a talented jazz musician. He even wrote a book. He was also an ordained Methodist minister, which means he was a religious leader. His first wife was Leontine Turpeau, who was also a minister. They had three children. Later in his life, he lived in Hollis, Queens, with his second wife, Rebecca Busch Current.

Gloster B. Current's Early Life and Career

Gloster B. Current moved to New York City in 1946. He was invited to come by Walter Francis White, who was another important leader at the NAACP. Once in New York, Current began his significant work with the NAACP. Cecilia Suyat Marshall worked as his private secretary at the NAACP, helping him with his daily tasks.

Leading the Fight for Civil Rights

As the National Director of Branches and Field Administration, Gloster Current helped the NAACP grow across the country. He worked to set up new local groups and support existing ones. This helped the NAACP reach more people and organize more actions during the Civil Rights Movement. His leadership was key during this time of big changes and activism. He helped guide many of the NAACP's efforts to end unfair treatment and segregation.

A Life of Many Talents

Gloster Current was known for more than just his civil rights work. He was a skilled jazz musician, showing his artistic side. He also used his voice as an ordained Methodist minister, serving his community in a spiritual way. These different roles showed he was a person with many interests and ways to contribute to society.

Gloster Current's Legacy

Gloster B. Current passed away on July 3, 1997, due to leukemia and pneumonia. His work and dedication left a lasting impact on the Civil Rights Movement. His official papers and records are kept at Wayne State University, so future generations can learn about his contributions.

Gloster Current's story was even told in a film. An actor named Roscoe Lee Browne played him in the 1983 movie For Us the Living: The Medgar Evers Story. This film was about Medgar Evers, another important civil rights leader. Gloster Current had said that he was the last person to speak with Medgar Evers before Evers was tragically killed. This shows how closely he was involved in the key events of the movement.